The cycling system is imploding. The numbers say so, not just me. Extensive research has long been on the desks of managers, directors, and stakeholders. Just read them, even distractedly. Follow me. In 2002, the World Tour budget was 150 million euros, in 2010 it was 170. The jump came in 2011, rising to 225 million. Just two years later, the amount climbed to 275. From 2015 to 2019, it went from 305 to 340, but the most significant acceleration has been since 2020, with the 2024 budget reaching 500 million euros.

TWENTY-FIVE. Same story for the teams. The average investment for a World Tour team was 5 million in 2002 and remained reasonable until 2015: 14 million. From 2020, the most significant surge: today the average is 25 million euros, with teams spending up to 60 million euros in a single season (UAE Team Emirates XRG). In second place is Red Bull Hansgrohe (50) and just behind are Visma Lease and Bike (45) and Ineos (40), as well as Lidl-Trek. Tail-enders include Cofidis (24), Intermarché (18), and Arkea-B&B Hotels (17).

ARKEA FOURTH FORCE. The most performant investment (budget and points obtained), the most profitable combination of investment and collected points? It's the XDS Astana, followed by UAE Team Emirates and Lidl-Trek. Incredibly, the small Arkea is even in fourth place, confirming that the money spent was invested optimally. The worst? Red Bull, but Ineos isn't doing well either, being fourth from last.

CALENDARS. Essentially, they're spending a lot and increasingly more. The UCI is requesting triple activity and women's teams, now also the Devo and they're even thinking about launching small cycling schools for juniors. Crowded calendars, humiliated organizers, indecent overlaps: these are major problems that seem to interest no one except the teams, who are struggling and questioning how to move forward. In fact, we're close to default.

Arkea, despite having done more than a decent job, will lower its shutters at the end of the season. End of transmission. Intermarché and Lotto are working on a merger that is neither simple nor painless. The Picnic team is in serious economic difficulties, as are several top-category formations, starting with Alpecin of Mathieu Van der Poel, one of the most media-friendly riders around, who has lost the second name Deceunick and is struggling to find an alternative.

WE'LL MOVE. Many teams, too many, are running out of breath. The women's section is also shortening it, having seen costs triple in three years. When Alé left top-tier cycling, selling its structure to what is now UAE Team ADQ, the cost was one and a half million per season. For 2026, they're talking about a budget of 10 million euros. For Lidl Trek, 6 million, for Jayco AlUla 3.5 million: in short, mind-boggling figures that make structures fragile and frankly unproductive. The investment is no longer advantageous, doesn't meet expectations. It's clearly excessive, disproportionate to what is currently being provided and this problem isn't just in the women's sector, but also in the men's, but the big manipulator seems uninterested, proceeding serenely with only one purpose: take while there's something to take. When everything collapses, we'll see how to move.

A calendar reform is missing, a formulation of simple and clear rankings. Is it possible that teams invited with a wild card to Giro, Tour, or Vuelta risk - as second-division formations - not scoring or scoring very few points compared to more structured teams, while those staying home can benefit from racing third-tier events worldwide that bring a mountain of points? If we're going to have a second-tier championship, let it be a real championship. With a dedicated calendar, with well-defined points: everyone equal at the finish line of my heart.

REDUCTION. Perhaps it's also time to reduce World Tour teams, thereby allowing second-division teams to find appealing sponsors at much more advantageous prices. Fewer World Tour teams - to which everything is guaranteed - and more wild cards, to help the system and those interested sponsors who can approach a very effective sport at much more affordable prices, without fear of going bankrupt. I know, I'm aware that my reasoning is that of a small-minded person, someone who is content, who thinks small and doesn't dream big. However, I fear that only the breakaway will be great, and I'm not referring to those attempted by riders. Meanwhile, stay calm, UCI judges will proceed resolutely in their mission: armed with a measuring tape, they will meticulously and rigorously address the height of riders' socks, woe betide those who slip! And we'll feel safe.